Method for installing cables

Abstract

The invention pertains to a method of installing cables (2) in cable ducts (6a, 6b, 6c) using installation devices (1) propelling the cables (2) into the ducts (6a, 6b, 6c). In accordance with the invention, the installation devices (1) are powered by means of pressurized fluid (f), such as air, transported through the ducts (6a, 6b, 6c). This results in a smaller number of compressors (4) and operators being necessary. The duct in which a cable is installed and/or parallel ducts may be used for transporting the pressurized fluid (f). The feed direction of the cable () may coincide with, or be opposed to, the transport direction of the fluid (→). The invention further provides an installation device (1) for use in the method.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of installing a cable in a cable duct using an installation device comprising mechanical elements for exerting a propelling force on the cable, said method comprising the steps of: placing the installation device at one end of the cable duct;   passing fluid through the cable duct via a fluid inlet so as to energize the installation device; and   passing at least one cable through the cable duct using the installation device.   
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is arranged in another installation device. 
     
     
       3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is arranged in the cable duct. 
     
     
       4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of passing fluid through the cable duct comprises passing fluid from a single source through the cable duct via the fluid inlet so as to energize a plurality of installation devices. 
     
     
       5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical elements of the installation device comprise wheels and a motor. 
     
     
       6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid and the cable are passed through a same duct section of the cable duct in a same direction. 
     
     
       7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid and the cable are passed through a same duct section of the cable duct in opposite directions. 
     
     
       8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of passing at least one cable through the cable duct comprises simultaneously passing at least two cables through the cable duct. 
     
     
       9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cable is provided with a shuttle which substantially closes off the cable duct. 
     
     
       10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cable is provided with a semi-open shuttle which only partially closes off the cable duct. 
     
     
       11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cable comprises optical fibers. 
     
     
       12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cable comprises copper conductors. 
     
     
       13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises compressed air. 
     
     
       14. The method according to claim 1, wherein a downstream end of the cable duct with respect to a transport direction of the fluid is provided with an open exhaust. 
     
     
       15. The method according to claim 1, wherein a downstream end of the cable duct with respect to a transport direction of the fluid is provided with an at least partially closed exhaust. 
     
     
       16. A method of installing a cable in one of at least two substantially parallel cable ducts using an installation device comprising mechanical elements for exerting a propelling force on the cable, said method comprising the steps of: placing the installation device at one end of a first cable duct;   connecting a fluid intake of the installation device to a second cable duct which is substantially parallel to the first cable duct;   passing fluid through the second cable duct via a fluid inlet so as to energize the installation device; and   passing at least one cable through the first cable duct using the installation device.   
     
     
       17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fluid inlet is arranged in another installation device. 
     
     
       18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fluid inlet is arranged in the second cable duct. 
     
     
       19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of passing fluid through the second cable duct comprises passing fluid from a single source through the second cable duct via the fluid inlet so as to energize a plurality of installation devices. 
     
     
       20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the mechanical elements of the installation device comprise wheels and a motor. 
     
     
       21. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of passing at least one cable through the first cable duct comprises simultaneously passing at least two cables through the first cable duct. 
     
     
       22. The method according to claim 16, wherein the cable is provided with a shuttle which substantially closes off the first cable duct. 
     
     
       23. The method according to claim 16, wherein the cable is provided with a semi-open shuttle which only partially closes off the first cable duct. 
     
     
       24. The method according to claim 16, wherein the cable comprises optical fibers. 
     
     
       25. The method according to claim 16, wherein the cable comprises copper conductors. 
     
     
       26. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fluid comprises compressed air.